II Corinthians 12: 7-10
So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.
The quality and depth of the revelations that were given to Paul, being able to see Heaven (yesterday's blog), were to keep him on track with all the details he would be writing in his epistles.
But God didn't want that to distract him from his purpose, so He allowed him to suffer some malady that is not identified specifically. Some think it may have been some kind of eye problem, because he wrote the church in Galatia that, If it were possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me (Galatians 4:15).
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
After
three times, Paul didn't ask any more. After three times, Jesus didn't
ask any more, either, in the Garden. So I suppose that's a good limit
for how many times we should ask God for what we are praying for.
But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness."
This is a very good principle we all need to learn, that it's when we know that we are not strong that we're ready to lean on God.
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Paul would much rather talk about where he is weak and insufficient, instead of how much God had honored him by revealing so much to him. That way, Christ would get the credit, not Paul. Paul didn't want credit for all God had done for him.
For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul was much more comfortable talking about all the horrible things that happened to him, that he had no control over. That's when he leaned on the power of Christ to live through them. Then Christ gets the credit.
This is very encouraging. When I feel weak, when I am not sure of what I'm doing, or if I'm sick, or otherwise not up to what I need to be doing, then I know that Christ in me will be strong on my behalf to enable me to accomplish whatever it is that needs to be done. I know that Christ's strength will uphold me and enable me to do everything He has planned for me to do.
I never thought I could be faithful to maintain this blog, to be able to add a new entry every day. I've always been a good stater, but a poor finisher, and there was no chance that I would be able to be consistent. But I just determined that I would start, and trust God to keep me on track. And He has, for several years now! This is amazing to me!
So He can also enable you to do what He wants you to accomplish. When you talk to Him about it, just let Him know that you are weak in this area, but that you are leaning on Him to keep you consistent, or whatever you need to be, to get it done. And He will. Trust Him.
O my Father, thank You so much for Your attention to our every detail. You are God of the Great, and also God of the Small. You are immense, and nothing escapes Your attention.
Just as You were there for Paul, even in giving him a reminder of his weakness, so that he would remember to lean on You; You will also give each of us whatever we need to know how to lean on You for the strength and ability to do everything You have planned for us to do, for Your Kingdom and Your glory.
And every eye shall see, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is sovereign King and Lord God Almighty, to the glory of Almighty God the Father, forever and ever, Amen.
Even so, come soon, Lord Jesus!
